Capacitor cascade

ABSTRACT

A capacitor cascade is disclosed comprising a columnar array of ceramic disk capacitors, each consisting of a ceramic disk with metal electrodes on opposite surfaces thereof. A metal electric connecting part is positioned between adjacent capacitors and is in electrical contact with the opposed electrodes. The connecting parts are resilient. The capacitor cascade is secured together. The connecting parts are each comprised of a base part and elements extending from the base part into engagement with the opposed capacitor electrodes. In one embodiment, each connecting part is deformed to define feet extending toward each of the opposed electrodes. In another embodiment, each connecting part is shaped to define tongues and the connecting part is folded into a generally &#34;S&#34; shape, wherein each tongue engages a respective one of the opposed electrodes. In the latter case, the tongues may be shaped so as to define spacing limitations for limiting the extent to which the tongues may deflect toward each other.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a capacitor cascade.

Such capacitor cascades have been known for a long time and are described, for instance, in the catalogue of Draloric Electronic GmbH, entitled "Ceramic Capacitors," 1975, pages 118 to 120. In these known capacitor cascades for voltage multiplication, the ceramic disk capacitors are soldered together by annular rigid metal parts and are connected electrically in series, with lead wires extending from the rigid metal parts. In this way there is obtained a rigid structure which is easily broken in the case of dynamic stresses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention, therefore, is to provide a capacitor cascade which is simple to manufacture, withstands mechanical, dynamic, and thermal expansion stresses excellently, and contains connecting parts of simple construction.

This object is achieved in accordance with the invention.

The capacitor cascade comprises a columnar array of disk capacitors, with each such capacitor comprising a ceramic disk having metal electrodes affixed to the surfaces thereof and extending over these surfaces. Between each pair of capacitors in the column there is a respective metallic connecting part for connecting the capacitors in series. The connecting parts are resilient. Fastening means squeeze the capacitors together and squeeze the resilient connecting parts.

Various embodiments of resilient metallic connecting parts are contemplated. In one version, a metal base part has feet that project out to the metal electrodes of the two adjacent disk capacitors. The feet are planar, in the planes of the electrodes.

The diametral dimensions of the connecting parts are adapted to the dimensions of the metal electrodes.

In another version, there are tongues which extend from the base part of the connecting part and the tongues are folded over to define the contacting parts for connecting with the metal electrodes.

Terminal lugs extend out from the connecting parts.

The advantages obtained by the invention reside, in particular, in the fact that different amounts of expansion between the ceramic disk capacitors and the metallic connecting parts and dynamic stresses of the capacitor cascade can be balanced out in any desired direction without the cascade being damaged. Another advantage resides in the excellent mechanical connection between the individual disk capacitors and the connecting parts which results from the soldering of the electrodes to the feet or tongues of each connecting part. One substantial advantage also resides in the fact that the terminal lugs projecting outwardly from the connecting parts, which are used for the contacting with diodes, are developed directly on the connecting parts so that no solder connection is required between a connecting part of the cascade and a lead wire of a diode. This affects the cost of manufacture of such capacitor cascades. Furthermore, the removal of heat between the individual disk capacitors is substantially improved. One substantial advantage also resides in the elastic connecting parts whose thickness dimensions are fixed within narrow tolerances and which are produced by bent arms or conical dimples in the tongues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of a capacitor cascade according to the invention

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a connecting part in the capacitor cascade

FIG. 3 is a side view of the connecting part of FIG. 2

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the connecting part;

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a capacitor cascade according to the invention

FIG. 6 shows a connecting part of FIG. 5 seen in the direction "x" of FIG. 5

FIG. 7 shows a connecting part for use in the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6 in its original unbent condition

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the connecting part for use in the embodiment of FIGS. 5 and 6, and

FIGS. 9a, b and c shows different forms of connecting parts.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 shows a capacitor cascade consisting of a plurality of disk capacitors 2 which are assembled in the form of a column by metallic connecting parts 1. Each disk capacitor 2 is comprised of a ceramic disk having surfaces on which metal electrodes are applied. The connecting parts 1 are soldered to the metal electrodes of the capacitors 2. To one end of the capacitor cascade there is soldered a screw 3 having a hex head which serves for installation. Respective terminal lugs 14, 15 are developed directly on each connecting element 1 and they extend beyond the edges of the disk capacitors 2. At the other end of the cascade there is a mounting 4 which may be of a construction similar to the connecting parts 1 between the disk capacitors 2 and which also has corresponding terminal lugs 14, 15.

FIG. 2 shows a single piece sheet-metal connecting part 1 comprised of a central, annular flat base part. Feet 12 protrude radially from the flat base part 11 and are bent at a constant pitch. Alternate feet are bent in opposite directions. Their base surfaces 17 form two spaced apart planes which are parallel to and on opposite sides of the base part 11. Two terminal lugs 14, 15 which are on diametrically opposite sides of the base part 11 extend radially from the base part 11 and serve for connecting diodes (not shown) of the voltage multiplication circuit in which the capacitor cascade is employed.

FIGS. 3 and 4 show that the base surfaces 17 which are at the ends of the feet 12 which are bent alternately in two opposite directions, form planes which extend parallel to the plane of the base part 11. The terminal lugs 14, 15 are developed integrally on the base part 11.

A central borehole 16 in the annular base part 11 serves to reduce the weight of the connecting part 1.

FIG. 5 shows a capacitor cascade consisting of a plurality of ceramic disk capacitors 2 which by means of the tongues 18 of the metallic connecting parts 1 are soldered fast to the metal electrodes on the side surface of the capacitors 2. To one end of the cascade there is soldered a screw 3 with hex head which serves for mounting. Terminal lugs 14, 15 developed directly at diametrically opposite locations on the connecting elements 1 protrude radially beyond the disk capacitors 2. At the other end of the cascade there is a mounting 4 which can be of a construction similar to that for the connecting parts 1 between the disk capacitors 2 and which also has corresponding terminal lugs 14, 15.

FIG. 6 shows a portion of a capacitor cascade, in particular a connecting part 1 which consists of a central base part 11 and two tongues 18 which are bent over in S-shape towards the base part. On the ends of the tongues 18 there are developed arms 19 which are bent perpendicular to the tongues 18 and form a spacing limitation between the disk capacitors 2 which are elastically connected by the connecting part 1.

FIG. 7 shows a connecting part 1 in developed or unfolded shape, consisting of a base part 11 from which the two tongues 18 project radially at diametrically opposite locations and the two terminal lugs 14, 15 protrude cross-wise or offset by 90° from the tongues 18. The tongues 18 and the base part may be of circular or annular development. On the opposite outermost ends of the tongues 18 there can be formed arms 19 which are bent in opposite directions perpendicular to the tongues 18 and extending away from the adjacent capacitor and toward the other capacitor which serve as spacing limitation.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the completed connecting part 1 consisting of the base part 11, the two annular tongues 18 arranged by being bent parallel to the base part and the bent arms 19 which are developed on the tongues and serve as spacing limitation between two disk capacitors. The two diametrically opposite terminal lugs 14, 15 for the diodes of a voltage-multiplier cascade are developed on the base part 11. FIGS. 9a, b and c shows three different embodiments of connecting parts in plan view, like FIG. 6. Two tongues 18 extend and are bent to define an S-shape with respect to a base part 11. In order to limit the free path of swing of two disk capacitors with respect to each other, an arm 19 can be developed on each of the ends of the tongues 18 as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 9a. No spacing limitation for the disk capacitors is provided in the embodiment of FIG. 9b. In another embodiment of FIG. 9c, the spacing limitation between adjacent disk capacitors is effected by conical dimples 20 in the center of the circular tongues 18. 

We claim:
 1. A capacitor cascade comprising:a columnar array of ceramic disk capacitors, each said capacitor comprising a ceramic disk with opposite surfaces and a respective metal electrode on each said opposite surface, a said electrode of each said capacitor in said array being opposed to a said electrode of an adjacent said capacitor in said array; a respective metallic connecting part being interposed between each pair of adjacent said disk capacitors for connecting said capacitors in series and each said connecting part being in mechanical and electrical contact with the opposed electrodes of the respective said pair of adjacent capacitors, each said connecting part comprising a metal sheet including a flat base part, a series of feet developed around said base part and projecting in opposite directions away from said base part towards the adjacent said capacitor electrodes, said feet terminating in respective contact portions deformed so as to be in surface contact with the said electrodes which they engage, said connecting parts being resilient, and therefore being resiliently deformable under pressure applied to said columnar array; and means for fastening said columnar array of said capacitors together with said connecting parts between adjacent said capacitors, said fastening means applying axial force for holding said columnar array together.
 2. The capacitor cascade of claim 1, wherein alternate said feet of said connecting parts around said base part extend in opposite directions toward the two adjacent said electrodes.
 3. The capacitor cascade of claim 1, wherein said contact portions of said feet are soldered to said electrodes.
 4. The capacitor cascade of either of claims 1 or 2, wherein said contact portions are planar in the planes of the respective said electrodes they contact.
 5. The capacitor cascade of either of claims 1 or 2, wherein said feet are inclined obliquely toward said capacitor electrodes between said connecting part base part and said contact portions.
 6. The capacitor cascade of claim 5, wherein said contact portions are planar in the planes of the respective said electrodes they contact.
 7. The capacitor cascade of claim 4, wherein said connecting part contact portions have diametral dimensions adapted to the dimensions of the respective said metal electrodes which said contact portions engage.
 8. A capacitor cascade, comprising:a columnar array of ceramic disk capacitors, each said ceramic capacitor comprising a ceramic disk with opposite surfaces and a respective metal electrode on each said opposite surface, an electrode of each said capacitor in said array being opposed to a said electrode of an adjacent said capacitor in said array; a respective metallic connecting part being interposed between each pair of adjacent said disk capacitors for connecting said capacitors in series and each said connecting part being in mechanical and electrical contact with the opposed electrodes of the respective said pair of adjacent capacitors, said connecting part being comprised of sheet metal and being shaped so as to have a base part and two tongues projecting outwardly from spaced apart locations around said base part, said tongues being bent around with respect to said base part such that said tongues and said base part define a generally "S" shape and said tongues have respective surfaces thereof which are normally spaced from and generally parallel to the opposed surface of said base part, said connecting parts being resilient, and therefore being resiliently deformable under a pressure applied to said columnar array; and means for fastening said columnar array of said capacitors together with said connecting parts between adjacent said capacitors and wherein said fastening means applies axial force for holding said columnar array together.
 9. The capacitor cascade of claim 8, wherein said tongues project from diametrally opposite locations around said base part.
 10. The capacitor cascade of one of claims 1 or 8, further comprising terminal lugs attached to and extending away from said base part of said connecting part.
 11. The capacitor cascade of claim 10, wherein there are two said terminal lugs defined at diametrally opposite locations around said base part.
 12. The capacitor cascade of claim 9, wherein two terminal lugs are attached to and extend away from said base part of said connecting part at diametrically opposite locations around said base part, and said tongues and said terminal lugs being offset from each other by approximately 90° around said base part.
 13. The capacitor cascade of either of claims 8 or 12, further comprising arms formed at the periphery of said tongues; each said arm being bent in a direction toward the said capacitor that is away from the said capacitor whose said electrode the respective said tongue is engaging, for defining a spacing limitation between adjacent said disk capacitors.
 14. The capacitor cascade of either of claims 8 or 12, wherein each said tongue is provided with a dimple thereon which extends toward said base part, thereby defining a spacing limitation for limiting deflection of said tongue toward said base part.
 15. The capacitor cascade of claim 8, wherein each said tongue is an annular ring including a surface thereof for engaging the adjacent said capacitor electrode.
 16. The capacitor cascade of either of claims 8 or 15, wherein each said tongue has a diametral dimension which is adapted to the diametral dimension of the said electrode of the adjacent said disk capacitor.
 17. The capacitor cascade of claim 10, wherein said terminal lugs are of a length to extend radially beyond the edges of said disk capacitors. 